A six-week road closure has resulted in traffic chaos, with gridlock so bad residents have struggled to get out of their driveways.
Southern Gas Network (SGN) began a mains replacement scheme on the A258 London Road in Deal last Wednesday (July 23).
The road is the main route out of town towards Sandwich and Thanet, and into town from the Sholden direction.
The works have caused a full road closure at the mini roundabout junction with Manor Road and Rectory Road.
Although SGN has signposted a 22-mile detour via Whitfield and the A2, residents are seeing their streets clogged up with cars as drivers attempt to find a faster route.
This has been via Mongeham Road and St Richard’s Road, with residents branding the extra traffic a nightmare, adding the routes have been gridlocked from the early hours of the morning.
Clare Carpenter said she had to plan when she leaves her house as her journey to work in Sandwich had more than doubled.
“From early in the morning, there’s constant traffic, cars, lorries, and buses are all using these roads,” the Mongeham Road resident said.
“It’s been an absolute nightmare. I work in Sandwich and have to plan when I leave because our road is just being used as a rat run and is gridlocked from 6am.
“It’s been taking more than double the time to get to work.
“There doesn’t seem to be an understanding that at the pinch points you need to let people through.
“I stopped the other day, and another car just went around me and blocked it up.
“I’m not sure if lights there would help, just to try and control the traffic.
“I’ve been using the Tesco and Co-op in Mill Hill, and at both, staff were telling me how much busier they’ve been since London Road shut.
“I understand the works need to be done, and I’m glad they’re doing them outside of term time because it would be even worse otherwise.”
Mrs Carpenter also has fears over the next stage of the proposed works, set to begin on September 1.
This phase will see Vicarage Lane and part of Mongeham Road at the junction with London Road shut off for four weeks as more old pipes are upgraded.
Sandra Sousa agreed that the works had to be done.
She said: “I’d rather the road be closed and the gas mains made safe rather than a larger accident happen down the line.
“It’s unfortunate, but the works have to be done. If anything, I feel sorry for the workers. They’re only here trying to earn their money and get the job done, but all they get is constant abuse from everyone.
“One concern I do have is the motorbikes in the area. Where the footpath hasn’t been closed, they shoot through here, and they don’t slow down.
“I’ve seen comments on social media about drivers moving signs and cones out of the way to get down London Road.
“Either my partner or I walk through here to the town daily, and fear this could cause a tragedy.”
Deal mayor Cllr Mike Eddy said there was “frustration” over the timing of the works, and feared a massive impact on visitor numbers to events like carnival week, which is currently underway.
He added: “These road closures really couldn’t have come at a worse time for the town. It’s slap bang in the middle of the holiday season and the beginning of carnival week so it will have a massive impact.
“Not only is there an incredible amount of frustration that a vital and busy main road is shut, there are growing concerns about safety, traffic congestion and people being able to get to and from their own homes.
“Diversions aren’t clear and a host of other scheduled and unscheduled works are simply adding to the disruption.
“We will continue to push for better planning by Kent Highways and a speedy resolution to these works to avoid any more disruption to residents and businesses in Deal.”
SGN say they are on track to complete the works within the estimated six-week schedule and are advising drivers to use the sign posted diversion route.
A spokesperson for the gas company, Dan Brown, added: “We recognise the impact of roadworks can be frustrating for Deal residents and road users alike.
“The signed diversion route, via the A258, A2 and A256, in place while we complete our essential network upgrades along London Road, has been agreed because it is suitable for all vehicles.
“Car drivers with local knowledge may choose to use alternative roads. However, we only direct traffic to use the signed route.”
Previously, businesses expressed fears they would be deprived of hundreds of customers who use the closed route.
Bosses at family-run Algar Farmshop Lodge and Cafe near Betteshanger were concerned it would be hugely damaging and potentially force them to cut their opening hours.
Some Stagecoach services – 81, 82, 82A and 85 – have begun operating on diverted routes.
The number 84 has not diverted but is running on a reduced timetable.
